KCKingdom
Fansided

KC Royals: Could Christian Colon Be Starting Second Baseman

By Scott Dillon

Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals pinch hitter Christian Colon reacts after hitting a RBI single against the New York Mets in the 12th inning in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals pinch hitter Christian Colon reacts after hitting a RBI single against the New York Mets in the 12th inning in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The KC Royals first round pick in 2010, Christian Colon, has yet to earn regular playing time in the majors. Will 2015 grant him that opportunity?

The Kansas City Royals have options at second base in spite of the fact that Ben Zobrist is no longer with the team. According to an article by MLB.com writer Jeffrey Flanagan, the Royals may consider Christian Colon at second base over the seemingly overpaid Omar Infante.

"“I just know we’re going to put the best team out there each and every night, and I know Omar is capable of being that guy. But we like Christian Colon, too. But you need them all to win, as you know. It’s a team, and you count on everyone to perform.– Dayton Moore in Flanagan’s article"

Christian Colon is already a hero in Kansas City, due in large part to two big playoff at bats. But, does Colon have what it takes to play second base as the every day starter? Is he better equipped to be a utility infielder who can give starters regular rest?

More from Kansas City Royals

Colon has not had a lot of major league action only appearing in 64 games in his career, but he owns a career slash line of .303/.361/.382. The .361 OBP is due in large part to his ability to draw walks.

Last year he drew a free pass in just under ten percent of plate appearances. He also make good contact, as he’s struck out only 21 times, and owns a decent batting average so far. He was good enough to be drafted fourth overall at one point, so there is a chance that he could own a respectable slash line throughout his career.

If there is a downside to his offensive game, it’s that his ability to hit for extra bases appears to be limited. He may hit for more power in time, but if it develops it will be double power, not home run power.

Omar Infante is a better defender than Colon is and that’s not likely to change. Colon is going to make errors on defense from time to time and he doesn’t display the range that Infante does. He has shown that he is a heady defender though.

More from KC Kingdom

He turned a slick double play against Detroit last year, and most average players would have simply taken the sure out. It may be the last time you see a highlight reel play at shortstop from anyone besides Alcides Escobar for a while.

There are other potential candidates in house to fill the second base vacancy as well. Cheslor Cuthbert didn’t have an impressive slash line in his debut, but he is a high energy player and he’s already well liked within the organization and clubhouse. He has played third base primarily, but had some work at second in the minors last year.

The other option is to promote Raul Mondesi. He’s most likely not ready, but there was enough trust there to give him his first major league hacks in the World Series.

Next: Top Ten Second Basemen in Royals History

Who do you like at second base this year? Does Colon deserve a chance to start? Is Infante worth a shot at redemption? Do any of the younger guys make you think they should take over manning second base?

Let me know in the comments below.

Home/Kansas City Royals